Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh, the Member of Parliament for North Dayi, has made a compelling argument for increased representation from the Volta Region in President John Mahama’s government appointments. Her appeal, delivered during a Zoom interview on Joy News’ PM Express, centered on the Volta Region’s unwavering support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its significant contribution to the party’s success in the 2024 elections. While acknowledging the contributions of all regions, she highlighted the Volta Region’s status as the NDC’s stronghold, emphasizing the impressive feat of maintaining all 18 parliamentary seats and even gaining an additional seat previously held by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), despite limited resources. This achievement, coupled with the challenging political landscape and the underrepresentation of women in politics, forms the basis of her plea for greater recognition of the region’s efforts through increased appointments.
Tetteh’s argument emphasizes the disproportionate representation of the Volta Region in the current government, given their substantial contribution to the NDC’s victory. With only three appointments from the region, she believes the number should be higher, considering they hold 18 parliamentary seats. She underscores the region’s dedication and hard work, particularly in the face of limited resources, which enabled them not only to retain their existing seats but also to capture one from the opposition. This success, she argues, warrants greater consideration in the allocation of government positions. The fact that only two out of the 18 MPs from the Volta Region are women further strengthens her case, highlighting the need for increased representation of women from the region in government roles.
The North Dayi MP’s appeal is carefully nuanced, balancing assertion with respect for the President’s prerogative. While advocating for greater representation from the Volta Region, she acknowledges that the final decision rests solely with President Mahama. She refrains from demanding quotas or making specific requests, instead presenting the region’s contributions and the existing disparity as factors for the President’s consideration. This approach avoids any perception of entitlement, portraying the request as a reasoned appeal based on merit and contribution rather than a demand based on regional affiliation. Her emphasis on the President’s sole authority in making appointments underscores her respect for the established process and her understanding of the complexities involved in forming a government.
Furthermore, Tetteh’s call for greater representation is not solely based on regional affiliation but also highlights the importance of gender balance. She points out that only two out of the 18 MPs from the Volta Region are women, emphasizing the need for more female representation from the region in government positions. This aligns with broader calls for increased female participation in politics and decision-making roles. By connecting regional representation with gender balance, Tetteh strengthens her argument, framing it within the context of broader societal goals of inclusivity and equitable representation.
When asked about her personal willingness to serve in the government, Hon. Tetteh expressed her readiness to contribute if called upon. Having served as an opposition MP for eight years, she believes her experience would be valuable in a government role. Her willingness to serve is not presented as personal ambition but rather as a continuation of her dedication to public service. She frames her potential appointment not as a personal gain but as an opportunity to further serve her constituents and the nation, leveraging her experience and understanding of the challenges faced by the people.
In summary, Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh’s appeal is a carefully constructed argument that combines regional pride with a broader call for equitable representation. She skillfully highlights the Volta Region’s significant contributions to the NDC’s electoral success while respectfully acknowledging the President’s authority. Her emphasis on the challenges faced by the region, the need for greater female representation, and her own willingness to serve paints a picture of a dedicated public servant advocating for her constituents while upholding the principles of fairness and inclusivity. Her appeal, therefore, stands as a strong case for increased representation from the Volta Region in President Mahama’s government.
